Harvard Library’s Access and Borrowing office is launching a new virtual service model in January 2025. Now, visiting researchers and others will be able to request library access credentials online, rather than having to come to campus and make the request in person.
Harvard Library offers library access to independent researchers, Harvard alumni, and other special borrowers who use Harvard Library's collections and spaces as part of their teaching and scholarship. Establishing a virtual service model allows these users to complete applications and payment online without needing to arrange additional trips to campus.
“At Harvard Library, we’re always seeking new and better ways to enhance access to information and connect our users with vast collections that we curate and steward. Launching a virtual service model will be a great benefit to our library users,” said Amy Boucher, Harvard Library’s Director of Access Services.
In concert with this launch, the physical Access & Borrowing office in Widener Library will close to traffic on March 15, 2025, though other service points remain open and staff will continue to be available through email and by phone. No policies, patron categories, or rates will change, and professional school libraries and special collections will continue to handle their own access requests.
See Harvard Library’s complete visitor access guide for additional details.
Questions?
For questions about the changes, please contact the Access & Borrowing group at hl_accessborrowing@harvard.edu.